Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ASEA logo used prior to the merger with Brown Boveri

ASEA (Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget) was a Swedish industry company. It merged with the Swiss BBC Brown Boveri in 1988 to form Asea Brown Boveri. ASEA still exists, but only as a holding company owning 50% of ABB Group.

[edit] History

ASEA logo used from the late nineteenth century until 1933

ASEA H.Q. in Västerås

ASEA was founded 1883 by Ludvig Fredholm in Stockholm as manufacturer of electrical light and generators. By a merging with Wennström's & Granström's Electrical Power Company (Wenströms & Granströms Elektriska Kraftbolag) the name was change to Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget, literally the "General Swedish Electrical Limited Company", or a ASEA for short.

1889 - the partner Jonas Wenström creates 3-phased generators, engines and transformers.
1933 - The company removes a swastika from the logotype, due to the symbol's association with Nazi Germany.
1953 - ASEA creates the first industrial diamonds.
1954 - HVDC Gotland project, first static high-voltage DC system
1960s - ASEA builds 9 of 12 nuclear plants in Sweden.
1974 - Industrial robots are introduced by ASEA
1987 - Acquires Finnish Oy Strömberg Ab
1988 - Merges with BBC Brown Boveri